We’re looking forward to introducing you to Timothy Blake. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Timothy, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What battle are you avoiding?
I have been struggling with alcoholism for a couple years now. Although I wouldn’t say I’m necessarily “avoiding” the battle, I could be making far greater strides if I put more commitment into my efforts. I grew up with alcohol and substance abuse in the home. This at times also led to violence and many moments you couldn’t pay me to go back in time and watch. I have long since forgiven those afflicted from my past, however the echoes of those dark days still manifest in my present poor coping mechanisms and patterns of behavior. Awareness is half the battle of course, but I would be lying if I neglected to mention the daily and nightly fight which is the remaining “half” haha.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Yes, let me first say thank you to all the fans and readers who tuned in to the last interview and welcome to new readers! I am a musical artist known by my stage name Lil Makaveli, or more commonly by the short-hand version “Lil Mak”. I have been rapping and playing guitar under this brand since 2018! Most of my success however, has been in the last few years as I lean harder into my metal/rock influences. I am merging the Nu-Metal sound of the early 2000’s with the very edge of modern Rap; even developing new melodies and cadences not yet familiarized in the main stream. I have a new project “MAK MANSON” which is set to release the week of Halloween, my spookiest project to date!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
In my youth I was obsessed with the outdoors, wildlife and natural history. My elementary school teachers confided in my parents that they lovingly referred to me as “nature boy”. While other kids would be playing on the jungle gym, sports etc. during recess, I was always off alone somewhere in the grass; searching for bugs or frogs. I really use to love being outside and just taking in all that LIFE! I personally could have cared less about things most kids (people really) were into like trendy entertainment or the new flashy product. We all are aware of our consumer society and everything that it entails. I still do believe there is a unique healing property with immersing ourselves in nature from time to time. I personally have took up several outdoor hobbies such as gardening, camping and recreational fishing to that very purpose.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I’m not afraid of anything, next question. Haha kidding of course; now this is probably going to sound a little embarrassing, because I honestly felt pretty embarrassed when I made the realization myself. I have a deep rooted fear of being successful, crazy right!? I never saw myself as the “star”. I was always more than willing to help others shine but myself, no way. When you’re subconsciously fixated to always be supporting cast and never the winner, it can be hard to operate out of any other mindset but survival. Why work to get ahead when you’re “fine” right now. I’m going to tell you the straight truth; ANYTHING in life that you put insane effort towards, you’re bound to get insane results but also equal criticism. The highest performers in the world receive some of the most and constant criticism from others. I believe part of being a winner means acting in disharmony a bit, “rocking the boat”, as they say. Not all attention is good attention, but if NOBODY is paying attention then you must not being doing too much haha. Today I try to live by that mindset with the understanding that my fear of success, of being the star, doesn’t determine reality. I’m really good at many things and if hypothetically I suddenly became afraid of being good at those things, I’m at a strong place now where I wouldn’t let that irrational fear rob me of my abilities.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire a father, regardless of who or from what part of society. A father to me of course, means a lot. I myself have no kids but if I did, I would strive to exemplify everything I believe a father to be. A father is wise and values wisdom based on off lived experiences so that his kids can avoid making generational mistakes. A father seeks mental and physical strength but not for aggression, rather to protect at his highest level possible. A father uses his own strength to lift his family up and his speed to take them further than he would even care to take himself alone. A father sacrifices for his family and also his community. A father is a patient teacher but also is constantly learning, never “stuck in his ways”. A father expresses love often and generously… I could go on and on about the virtues of my idealized “dad”, but as I said before, anyone who comes close to having these traits has my deepest admiration and respect; father or not.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
What brings me instant peace is the act of giving grace. It took me far too long to realize that nobody has a monopoly on grace. You can give it to yourself, you can give it to others. You can even give it to people who don’t want or think they need it, imagine that! This practice has brought me profound peace in my adult life and I wish I had been a proponent of it in my earlier years. The power to forgive and let resentment go is simply transformative!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @lilmakaveli1
- Facebook: Lil Makaveli
- Youtube: @lilmakavelimusic
- Soundcloud: Lil Makaveli
Image Credits
@vetemoans on Instagram
Eric Coleman
